'External attempts' made to interfere in BD polls: Russia

Russia has said the leadership of Bangladesh should be recognised for creating favourable conditions for the free expression of voters' will despite external attempts to influence the election outcome, reports UNB.

"External attempts to influence the election's outcome were observed, as we mentioned on November 22 and December 15, 2023," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on the parliamentary elections and appointment of a new government in Bangladesh on Friday.

Local observers and over 200 international observers, including those from Russia, have confirmed the legitimacy of the election and its adherence to generally accepted standards, she said.

Andrey Shutov, a member of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, headed the Russian delegation in Bangladesh during the election.

On January 11, a new government was formed in Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina being reappointed to the position she previously held.

The ruling Bangladesh Awami League secured 222 out of the 300 seats in the parliament, winning the majority of votes.

"We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the people of Bangladesh on the successful outcome of the election," said Maria Zakharova. Unfortunately, she said, some opposition parties chose not to participate in the election process.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has congratulated Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation and me personally I congratulate you upon the appointment to the post of the Head of the newly-formed Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh," said the Russian PM.

Bangladesh-Russia relations have been steadily developing in the spirit of friendship, mutual respect and partnership, he said.

"I am confident that active joint work at the governmental level will be conducive to broader cooperation in the trade and economic, scientific and technical, cultural and humanitarian spheres," the Russian PM said.

This meets the interests of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of Bangladesh in full measure, reads the letter shared by the Russian Embassy in Dhaka on Saturday.